Raleigh, N.C., Jan 11, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- A Catholic conference next month is open to all people who want to learn about the Catholic faith, not just Catholics.

The fourth annual Ignited By Truth Catholic Conference, Feb. 17-18, will feature nationally and internationally known Catholic authors and lecturers.

George Weigel, papal biographer and senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., will speak on “Our Role in the New Evangelization.”

Stephen Ray, a convert to Catholicism, will share his conversion story and speak on the theme, "Peter: The Rock, the Keys and the Chair." He is the host of the popular "Footprints of God" video series and best selling author of "Crossing the Tiber" and "Upon this Rock."

International lecturer, philosopher and former college professor Alice von Hildebrand will speak on "The Privilege of Being a Catholic Woman in Transforming the Culture." She has authored "By Love Refined," "By Grief Refined," and a biography of her late husband and theologian, Dietrich von Hildebrand, entitled "The Soul of a Lion." She has also been a frequent guest on EWTN.

Dr. Jacques Mistrot, a pioneer in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in Wake County who performed the very first heart bypass surgery at Rex Hospital, will speak on "Stem Cell Research: Illuminating the Way of Truth." After retirement, he has done medical missionary work in Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Haiti and St. Lucia.

Discounted registrations are now available: $25 per adult and $10 per student. There will be special talks for students age 10 and up, given by George Weigel and Dr. Von Hildebrand. Group discounts are also available.

The conference will be held at Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.